Sizzling Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe: Fresh Summer Delight

Summers call for fresh, zesty meals that burst with flavor, and this grilled chicken caprese recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts bathed in aromatic herbs create a mouthwatering canvas for classic Italian ingredients.

Melted mozzarella drapes over perfectly seared meat, creating layers of deliciousness that sing with Mediterranean charm.

Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant green accent to each delectable bite.

Juicy tomatoes complement the smoky grilled notes, bringing bright, tangy elements to the dish.

The combination of simple, high-quality ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible summer classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Tips To Elevate Grilled Chicken Caprese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the canvas for this vibrant Caprese-style dish, offering a perfect protein base for grilling.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and preventing sticking.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends aromatic herbs to infuse the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the natural taste of the chicken and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, creating a luxurious topping for the grilled chicken.
• Tomato Slices: Adds a juicy, fresh element that complements the grilled chicken with bright acidity.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a burst of herbaceous aroma and a classic Caprese touch.
• Balsamic Glaze: Brings a sweet and tangy finish, creating a sophisticated flavor contrast to the savory chicken.

Best Ways To Plate Grilled Chicken Caprese

• Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's safely cooked to 165F.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and handling it securely on the hot grill.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and seasoning chicken before grilling.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing tomatoes and mozzarella precisely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Storing Grilled Chicken Caprese Made Simple

• Marinate and Prepare Chicken

Massage chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the flavors soak into the meat while warming up the grill.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature and develops beautiful golden-brown grill marks.

• Add Cheesy Goodness

In the final moments of cooking, layer fresh tomato slices and creamy mozzarella on top of each chicken piece. Close the grill lid briefly to help the cheese become deliciously melty.

• Garnish and Plate

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter. Scatter vibrant fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with tangy balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Your Go-To Tools For Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Perfect Grill Marks Trick: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure beautiful, crisp grill marks and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning and olive oil up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace balsamic glaze with fresh balsamic vinegar for fewer calories and a sharper taste profile that still complements the chicken beautifully.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with thick grilled portobello mushroom steaks, maintaining the same seasoning and Caprese topping for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Oven-Friendly Adaptation: When grilling isn't possible, bake chicken in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, adding mozzarella and tomatoes during the last 3 minutes of cooking for similar melted cheese results.

Steps To Crispy Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Fresh Garden Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette for a balanced, refreshing meal.
• Carb Companion: Complement the grilled chicken with warm garlic focaccia bread or herbed quinoa to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze.
• Wine Selection: Pair with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the light, summery flavors of the Caprese-style chicken.
• Al Fresco Dining: Present on a rustic wooden board with extra fresh basil sprigs and additional balsamic glaze for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.

Tips To Add Kick To Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple chicken breasts during your weekend meal prep, storing extra portions in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Properly sealed grilled chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap or store in sealed containers to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool chicken completely before freezing. Place individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen grilled chicken remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly stored.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. For best results, heat at 50% power and check temperature frequently to maintain juiciness.

Vibrant Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken caprese delights with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Mediterranean flavors dance on your plate, creating a simple yet elegant summer meal that connects culinary traditions with fresh ingredients.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Marinate chicken breasts by massaging a fusion of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing ingredients to meld while preheating the grill.
2. Grill Setup: Configure grill to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for developing rich caramelized surfaces on the chicken.
3. Cooking Process: Position seasoned chicken on grill grates, rotating once to develop golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Cheese Integration: During final grilling moments, strategically layer ripe tomato slices and smooth mozzarella atop each chicken breast, then briefly close grill lid to facilitate gentle cheese melting.
5. Presentation: Remove grilled chicken onto elegant serving platter, artfully garnish with aromatic fresh basil leaves and elegant balsamic glaze drizzle, creating a visually stunning Mediterranean-inspired dish ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Marinate Thoroughly: Let chicken soak in olive oil mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and ensure tender, juicy meat.
• Temperature Control: Monitor grill heat carefully to prevent burning; medium-high setting creates perfect caramelized exterior without drying out chicken.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add mozzarella in final cooking minutes to achieve smooth, perfectly melted coverage without overcooking chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese for vegan version; use gluten-free seasonings for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg